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Washington plans to lift its blockade on Iranian ports immediately after an agreement is reached to restore unimpeded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to US and Iranian sources. The talks, announced by President Donald Trump, also address ending regional strikes and renewing Iranian oil exports.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca, including a collective-defense commitment. The deal has drawn attention for its potential regional implications, including remarks by Pakistan's defense minister calling for a united front against Israel.
Iran and Oman are close to a temporary agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with ships using separate lanes and joint administration. However, Tehran insists the U.S. must meet conditions including compensation and lifting sanctions, and direct talks remain stalled.
The United States and Iran are approaching a decisive phase in negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran saying a framework for an agreement with Oman has been drafted. US Vice President JD Vance confirmed recent progress, while a regional official put the odds of a final deal at 50%. Military options, including strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, remain under discussion.
CENTCOM says US forces have redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two since the naval blockade of Iran resumed on July 14. Multiple reports from Al Jazeera, Jerusalem Post, and TASS detail the ongoing enforcement and the number of ships involved.
As Israel approaches its October 27 election, politicians, civil society groups and President Isaac Herzog have voiced growing concerns over the integrity of the vote, citing threats of violence, political interference, and AI-driven misinformation. A new poll shows that 70% of respondents believe the election's integrity is at risk, a sharp rise from the 2022 figure of 25%.
Iran's foreign minister says negotiations with Oman on new maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz are nearing completion, but reopening the strait depends on separate conditions, including US compliance with a June memorandum. The US must stop violating the memorandum and correct its behavior, according to Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
Experts and senior officials warn that depleted US weapons stockpiles, stemming from the conflict with Iran, could take years to replenish and may embolden Russia and China. The Pentagon has been forced to redeploy assets from Europe and Asia to the Middle East, raising concerns about future deterrence.
Iran announced that an agreement with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages, but reiterated that the waterway will only reopen once the US meets other conditions. The proposed deal includes new shipping lanes, potential restrictions on US and Israeli ships, and a fee structure, while US official say an agreement is close.
The joint defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan in Mecca signals a broader reordering of Gulf security, as states seek to supplement, not replace, the US security umbrella. Analysts describe the pact as fundamentally defensive, aimed at institutionalising cooperation and building domestic defence capacity.
Iran announced that a deal with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages, but reiterated that the strait will only reopen once the US meets certain conditions. The agreement would define new shipping lanes, with reports suggesting Iran would control inbound traffic. Pakistan expressed hope the deal could lead to resumption of US-Iran talks.
Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery, which processes 400,000 barrels per day. The refinery was shut down on July 27 after damage to its gasification unit and tank farm, with operations expected to resume by August 15. The attack raised concerns about regional energy infrastructure security.
Iran has issued demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including war damage compensation, while shipping traffic through the waterway fell sharply amid security risks and stalled US-Iran talks. A tanker was attacked off Yanbu, and the US threatened a major financial offensive against Tehran.
Reports citing US officials indicate the Pentagon has fewer than 1,700 Patriot interceptor missiles after operations against Iran, with replenishment possibly taking over two years. A $18.2 billion emergency request aims to boost stocks, while a US envoy insists current supplies are sufficient.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which includes a NATO-style collective defence clause. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the pact as technically similar to NATO's Article 5, insisting it is not directed at Iran. The agreement establishes political and military committees and a secretariat in Saudi Arabia.
Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) has announced simultaneous sit-ins in all four provincial capitals on August 16 to demand the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and reduction of petrol prices to Rs225 per litre, intensifying its campaign against inflation.
The UAE condemned an attack on an ADNOC tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, while ADNOC reported that 15 of its vessels have been struck since the conflict began. Iran's foreign minister said talks with Oman are nearing completion, but stressed that reopening the strait is not imminent.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone confirmed the club will not sell Julian Alvarez despite Barcelona's interest, with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin rejecting offers up to €200m. The forward has been booed by his own fans and remains available but was absent from the opening match against Malaga due to fitness and post-World Cup break.
The US Senate has passed a broad sanctions package aimed at punishing Russia and its energy buyers, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill imposes sanctions on Russian leaders and institutions, and allows tariffs on major importers of Russian oil and gas.
A poll by French magazine L’Express ranked MI6 as Europe’s most powerful foreign intelligence service, with France’s DGSE second. The survey of 60 spies highlighted MI6’s human intelligence strengths and its leading role on Ukraine.